City of Portage issued the following announcement on July 8.
Rare sightings of the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake (EMR) in Portage have been reported. EMRs are seldom seen and are easily mistaken for Eastern Hognose and Northern Watersnakes. Learn more about the EMR at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PFnXe_e02w.
If you see an Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources says to take a photo (from a safe distance) and report the sighting at https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/ors/Home. The EMR is a federally threatened species due to declining populations from habitat loss and other factors, and the MDNR is interested in learning of any sightings of the species.
Please note that it is illegal to handle, touch or possess Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnakes. Report all poaching to 800-292-7800 (call or text) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Original source can be found here.
Source: City of Portage
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